Vinexport Focsani, a major domestic wine producer will tap into foreign markets in 2008, and plans to restructure its entire product portfolio domestically.
"Although the firm is called Vinexport, exports were done before 1989, when the winery was one of Romania's main wine centres and largest exporter. We plan to enter new markets in 2008 and we are in talks with US, Greek and Russian firms," stated Angela Mares, marketing manager of Vinexport Focsani.
The company estimates it will end 2007 with turnover worth 14.8m euros and secure a comfortable position among the top five players in the domestic wine industry.
In 2008, the company expects turnover, as well as income, to rise by 10%. In the first nine months of this year, the company reported a 25% higher turnover and 100% higher income, primarily due to investments in retooling, a larger range of products and improved coverage of niche markets.
"The best selling brands this year are Weisser, Hangita and Ghiurghiului, which have higher visibility in all types of stores," said Mares. She specified that in the food service segment the best-selling wines are Putna and Vinurile Vanatorului.
"Food service is a new sales channel for Vinexport. 2007 is the first year when sales were conducted via these channels. Under the circumstances, sales were important and turnover growth was practically generated by this distribution channel," added Mares.
The company also announced two new wines, Codul lui Merlot and Visul unei Nopti cu Feteasca Regala, in a bag-in-box packaging system, which are primarily destined to the food service sector.
Vinexport operates vineyards in Dealurile Vrancei and Dealurile Moldovei, which cover a total area of 500 hectares. This year, the company will start to acquire vineyards in the Vrancea area. In 2007, the company also operated investments worth 1m euros in technology, renovation and marketing.
"In 2008, investments will reach 1.5m euros (...)," said Vinexport's marketing manager. The company's entire portfolio of products will be restructured during this period.
"There will be launches and re-launches across our entire product range, but our strategy will be finalised in the following months," concluded Angela Mares.
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